Extracts from Chinese ginseng found to protect the brain of stroke patients

Chinese researchers have found that panaxatriol saponins (PTS), a derivative from Panax notoginseng, can protect the brain against ischemic injury. In their study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, they identified this biological action to be a result of the ability of PTS to enhance angiogenesis and improve microperfusion.

The team looked at traditional uses of P. notoginseng, in particular, in treating ischemic stroke.

To mimic the effects of an ischemic injury to the brain, the team performed middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats and measured the resulting neurological deficit scores and brain infarct volumes.

To assess multiple markers for brain functions, the team used various assays, namely:

The results showed that PTS-treated rats had improved neurological function and reduced infarct volumes, even after MCAO surgery.

Micro-PET assays also indicated an increase in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-PDG) uptake in PTS-treated rats. The uptake was noted in brain tissue affected by ischemia, which enhanced cerebral perfusion after MCAO.